SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Freedom Caucus has filed articles of impeachment against Gov. JB Pritzker over "vile comments" made against Republicans. The Eastern Illinois Republicans are furious with Pritzker's response to the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
Pritzker expressed sympathy for Kirk and his family while condemning political violence at an unrelated event Wednesday. However, the Democrat said President Donald Trump ignites this type of violence.
"We saw the shootings, the killings in Minnesota. We've seen other political violence occur in other states," Pritzker said. "I would just say, it's got to stop. I think there are people fomenting it in this country. I think the president's rhetoric often foments it."
Republicans have criticized Pritzker's increased attacks on the GOP over recent years, including a speech where Pritzker said Republicans cannot know a moment of peace earlier this spring. Many are upset that Pritzker blamed their party's leader for the rise in violence following Kirk's death.
"For him to say these things for political gain is unacceptable," said Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich). "That's what this is all about. This is about political gain for radical Democrats and pushing a woke narrative. They can't amount to anything to get that done, including assassinating conservatives at college campuses."
A majority of the Illinois House would need to vote to impeach Pritzker before a trial could start in the Senate. Yet, the Freedom Caucus will face a stiff challenge with the Democratic supermajority in the House.Â
Niemerg and Rep. Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro) told WAND News they know Democrats have no desire to impeach Pritzker. They argued that other Illinois Democrats are complicit in the governor's actions.
"Just the rhetoric is nonstop about being Nazis and about being fascists," Miller said. "That includes people like me. I'm a farmer from downstate Illinois. I'm about the farthest thing from a Nazi that you will ever see. It's extremely inflammatory to me personally and also my family and all the things we stand for."
Pritzker said no one in this country should have to fear gun violence, whether they're in class in high school or attending an event on a college campus. The Pritzker administration reiterated that the governor condemned the shooting that killed Charlie Kirk and believes political violence should never become the norm.
"Just two nights ago, I called for the governor to resign frankly over his terrible comments blaming Trump and Jan. 6 for Charlie Kirk's political assassination," Niemerg said. "The governor has shown that he is not capable of leading. He has shown that he needs to be removed from office, and that needs to happen immediately."
Miller filed House Resolution 466 Friday. Democrats will likely lock the impeachment resolution in the House Rules committee when they return to Springfield for the veto session next month.Â
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